< Back to Front Page Text size – +

Patriots & penalties

Email|Link|Comments (3) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff December 24, 2008 07:45 AM

The Patriots have been flagged for 55 accepted penalties this season, so they'll need to have just 3 or fewer accepted penalties against the Bills on Sunday to set the NFL record for fewest accepted penalties in a 16-game season.

The Seattle Seahawks set the record last season, with 59.

The Patriots were flagged for a season-high seven accepted penalties in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. Five of those penalties came in the third quarter after the team opened a 38-0 lead. The Patriots had two other penalties that were declined in the game.

A look at the players most penalized this season, and the most frequent penalties called against the Patriots (includes declined penalties):

PLAYERS

Mike Vrabel – 5

Matt Light – 4

Nick Kaczur – 4

Stephen Neal – 3

Sam Aiken – 3

Ellis Hobbs – 3

Logan Mankins – 3

Benjamin Watson – 3

PENALTIES

False start – 11

Unnecessary roughness -- 7

Offensive holding – 7

Special teams holding – 4

Encroachment – 4

» Back to Front Page

3 comments so far...

Record-breaking or not, such a low number of penalties is a remarkable statistic. It's a tribute to both coaches and players for preparation, execution, and discipline.

Posted by Matt December 24, 08 12:23 PM

Vrabel should only have 4 -- the holding call against the Jets was completely bogus and created out of thin air. Nothing even close to holding occurred on that play. It also cost the Pats the game and maybe the playoffs. Has anyone identified the official who made the call and investigated his affiliation with the New York mafioso?

Posted by J.P. December 24, 08 12:29 PM

If I am not mistaken, last week's officiating crew which gave the Pats 7 penalties is the same crew that gave them 6 penalties in a game earlier in the season. That game, and the 6 penalties, was the highest amount received in any one game this season, by the Patriots, until last week.

It makes one wonder if that particular officiating crew intentionally looks to call penalties against the Pats or if it were just coincidence.

I am not suggesting anything that might be of concern, just bringing up a strange fact.

Posted by Mike Allen December 24, 08 12:42 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

You must be logged in to submit a comment.

This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.

Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

see all globe blogs